Kickoff, conference, trade fair and customer event - a multi-event for Lyreco
When two companies merge, many things change. Competitors become colleagues. Enemies become friends. 2 brands become 1. New values are created. And so do new managers.
That's what happened to Staples when it was acquired by French company Lyreco in 2022. Contrast helped organize their first joint meeting under a common flag.
"Well directed and entertaining"
TYPE | Kickoff, conference, fair and customer event
LOCATION | Svenska Mässan in Gothenburg
RESPONSIBLE | Ulla Lindström
PURPOSE | Create new relationships between employees, suppliers and customers, as well as relationships with the new brand
Background information
For a number of years, Contrast has been entrusted with organizing Staples' annual conference and supplier fair - an event that brings together both employees and suppliers. When the office supplies supplier was acquired by its French competitor Lyreco, the management wanted to gather all staff at a joint kickoff. The meeting would be the starting point for building a new community and a new common way forward. A series of changes had already begun: new brand, new values, new owner... and new colleagues.
Mission statement
Contrast was commissioned to create the annual conference and supplier fair with the theme "Better Together". The common thread was Sustainability. New for this time was that we were commissioned to add another target group for the event; the company's customers.
Solution
We created a multi-event for two days. Day 1 was dedicated to customers, the sales force and suppliers. We built a supplier fair in the exhibition halls at Gothia Towers, which we interspersed with interesting seminars on sustainability and trendspotting, which the company's customers could also take part in. The first day was rounded off with relaxed, social and relationship-building activities.
Day 2 was for the employees who had a conference and kickoff where they finally got to meet for real and get to know each other. The whole day ended with a proper party for the employees; a seated dinner with lots of music, entertainment, energy, activities and fun award ceremonies.
Outcome
The event as a whole received high marks. During the day, the premises were busy, the fair was quickly fully booked and all the spaces available were full of activity. Evening activities were relaxed and informal, providing opportunities to build both business relationships and to get to know each other better.
"Well directed and entertaining. Not boring at all"
"The party was really nice!"
"Engaging! And a lot of joy on stage!"
